
The Penners are best known for their pioneer work in encouraging people of all faiths to connect their sexuality with their belief system ─ helping them embrace sex as good and of God.
They work together as a team:
- Counseling with individuals and couples
- Teaching sex education within various school systems
- Leading sexual enhancement weekends for couples
- Lecturing on human sexuality at universities
- Training fellow professionals
In addition to their therapy practice — Penners, Loewen & Symingtons, the Penners have available resources (books & DVDs) and seminars for healthy sexuality.
Joyce – a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist, holds a B.S. in nursing from the University of Washington. Her master’s degree in psychosomatic nursing and nursing education is from UCLA.
Clifford – a licensed clinical psychologist, received a B.A. from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, earned an M.A. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and holds a Ph.D. from Fuller’s Graduate School of Psychology.

Dr. Irene Loewen
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Irene Loewen is a seasoned clinical psychologist who works with individuals and couples in areas such as:
- anxiety and depression
- questions of career & phase of life
- family and marital stressors
- affairs
- divorce and resulting adjustments
- chronic debilitating illnesses and caregiver support
- grief and loss
More about Irene
Dr. Loewen earned her M.A and PhD in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She had a practice in Fresno, CA for 17 years, where she also held the position of professor of Marriage and Family Counseling. She received a B.A from Fresno Pacific University, and an R.N. degree from St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Canada.
She moved to Pasadena in 2001, with her husband, Howard, when he took the position of Dean at Fuller Theological Seminary. At that time she joined the practice of Penners & Associates.

Drs. Scott & Melissa Symington
Clinical Psychologists
Dr. Scott Symington is a licensed clinical psychologist working with individuals and couples in:
- anxiety disorders
- sexual issues
- mood disorders
- life transitions
- unhealthy relationship patterns
More about Scott
Scott entered the field of psychology with a diverse background in business and consulting. He earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and completed a M.A. in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Scott is passionate about helping individuals and couples move towards greater freedom, aliveness, and intimacy.
Drs. Scott and Melissa Symington met while attending graduate school, have two young children, and have enjoyed partnering together on their professional journey.
You can find out more about Dr. Scott Symington at http://drsymington.com
More About Melissa
Dr. Melissa Symington is a licensed clinical psychologist working with individuals and couples in:
- sexual and relational issues
- depression
- anxiety and fear
- life transitions
- grief and loss
Dr. Symington earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary, where she also completed a M.A. in theology. Her training, practice, and interests include psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness, neuroscience and psychological assessment. Melissa graduated from Whitworth University with a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy. In addition, Melissa holds a M.A. in Philosophy from Claremont Graduate University.
Drs. Scott and Melissa Symington met while attending graduate school, have two young children, and have enjoyed partnering together on their professional journey.

Dr. Sibylle Georgianna
Psychotherapist
Dr. Sibylle Georgianna is a psychotherapist working with individuals and couples in:
- sexual and relational issues
- personal and professional self-leadership development
- family and marital stressors
- acculturation issues
- depression and anxiety
More about Sibylle
Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner
Phone: 626-449-2525
FAX: 626-564-1250